Rube Goldberg is best known for his "Invention" cartoons, which use a string of outlandish tools, people, plants, and steps to accomplish everyday simple tasks in the most complicated way. Rube saw the humor in every situation. His ludicrous cartoons were a satire on the American public for their complicated methods for solving problems. Rube Goldberg's drawings point out that people are often overwhelmed by over complicating their lives.
Objective:
By performing this project, the students will gain a better understanding of simple machines and use of energy. To accomplish this, students will design and build a Rube Goldberg type machine used to crush an aluminum soda can.
Procedure:
The student will design and build a machine that can be used to crush a 12 oz. aluminum soda can standing upright. After being crushed, the can should be no taller than 4 cm at its highest point. The following are guidelines for your machine.
dimensions of the machine can be no larger than 160 cm x 160 cm x 200 cm (or 4' x 4' x 6')
your machine must include at least 4 of the 5 different simple machines we studied in class -- the pulley, the lever, the wheel & axel, the screw, or the inclined plane
your machine must last 60 seconds starting from the input force you place to start your machine to the point that the machine crushed the can
the input force, or thing that starts your machine, must be one movement and can either be a push, crank, drop, or pull
you must bring in all materials you need for this project
Background:
Rube Goldberg is best known for his "Invention" cartoons, which use a string of outlandish tools, people, plants, and steps to accomplish everyday simple tasks in the most complicated way. Rube saw the humor in every situation. His ludicrous cartoons were a satire on the American public for their complicated methods for solving problems. Rube Goldberg's drawings point out that people are often overwhelmed by over complicating their lives.Objective:
By performing this project, the students will gain a better understanding of simple machines and use of energy. To accomplish this, students will design and build a Rube Goldberg type machine used to crush an aluminum soda can.Procedure:
The student will design and build a machine that can be used to crush a 12 oz. aluminum soda can standing upright. After being crushed, the can should be no taller than 4 cm at its highest point. The following are guidelines for your machine.Finished Products:
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